Last year, we saw Lexus unveil an all-new SUV, based off the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Called the TX, this new luxury three-row SUV offers more room than the other three-row
SUVs in the Lexus lineup – and it’s less expensive. On top of that, it’s easier to drive and
even offers some hybrid powertrain options.
The idea to bring out the Lexus TX is a smart one by Lexus. Previous attempts to build a
practical three-row SUV were either compromised by body-on-frame construction and
thirsty powertrains, like the Lexus GX and LX models or were just extensions of an
existing model, like the RX-L. While the third row in all those were not very roomy, the
new TX resolves that by offering a third row that can easily accommodate adults – and
comfortably. Add in Lexus build-quality and a plethora of luxury features, and the TX
shines as an ideal people mover.
The TX is available in three different trim levels with the powertrain being the main
difference between them. The base model is the TX 350 which uses a turbocharged 2.4-
liter four-cylinder engine that makes 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque) and is
connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is delivered to the front
wheels, or optionally to all wheels. It comes fitted with 20-inch wheels, a second-row
bench seat and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The TX 500h F Sport Performance is a hybrid version of the TX that pairs the same 2.4-
liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors. Called Direct4, this new system
by Lexus places one electric motor at the front and one at the back to power the rear
wheels. In total, the hybrid powertrain generates 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque
and sends that power to all wheels by way of a six-speed automatic transmission. The
500h F Sport runs on 22-inch wheels and features an adaptive suspension tuning and rear-
wheel steering. On this trim, the bench seat is swapped out for captain’s chairs.
At the top of the TX chain is the TX 550h+ Luxury. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) uses a
3.5-liter V6 engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the Direct4 all-
wheel-drive system to make a combined 404 horsepower. This TX can travel around 33
miles as an electric vehicle (EV) before switching to traditional gas-electric hybrid
operation. The 550h+ Luxury runs on 22-inch wheels.
New for 2025 is an F Sport Handling package available for the TX 350. Also, a 12.3-inch
digital instrument panel is now standard across the TX line.
Regardless of trim, the interior of the TX is nicely done with the typical family in mind.
Storage bins are everywhere as well as plenty of charging ports. The big 14.0-inch
infotainment display, standard on every TX, runs Lexus’s latest infotainment interface.
The digital gauge display can be reconfigured to show a variety of information to the
driver. If you need yet another display, there is a head-up display that is available.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
All the seats are exceptionally comfortable, even the third-row seat is one that I wouldn’t
mind spending time in. If you don’t need the third row, folding it down will allow you 57
cubic feet of storage. Fold down the second row of seats and the TX turns into a mini
cargo van with an impressive 97 cubic feet of storage. Keep the third-row seat up, and
you still have 20 cubic feet of storage room.
Unlike the truck-based Lexus GX and LX models that are great off-road but suffer from
relatively cumbersome dynamics on-road, the TX delivers a smooth, comfortable ride in
town. Power is excellent from the turbo four-cylinder, with 0-60 mph times in the low 7-
second range. Around corners, the steering is precise enough as is the suspension. The
tester, with the F Sport Performance package, adds an adaptive suspension that is said to
significantly improve handling by reducing body roll and increasing agility around tighter
corners. I didn’t feel it, but then again, I didn’t drive the TX like a sports car. For school
drop-offs, running errands around town, or for date night, the TX is perfect.
The Lexus TX competes with the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and the Infiniti QX60. With
pricing starting at $56,490 (the tester, a TX350 with the F Sport Handling package,
carries a price tag of $71,863), it seems to be right in the middle of them. The TX 350 has
an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, is it no surprise that the roomiest and
largest vehicle from Lexus is called the TX? With a usable third-row seat, plenty of
luxury amenities and available hybrid powertrains, the TX is nearly just as great as Texas
is.
-- Christopher A. RandazzoBy The Numbers:
2025 Lexus TX350 AWD
Base Price: $64,410.00
Price as Tested: $71,863.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.4 liter turbo 4-cylinder
Transmission: 8 - speed automatic
Horsepower: 275 hp
Torque: 317 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city / 26 highway [Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]
